Satyagraha

  • An opera by Philip Glass
  • Directed by Tilde Björfors
  • Premiere 2016

Follow the genesis of Gandhi's philosophy in a mesmerising opera like no other – reimagined with the dynamic power of circus.

Om Satyagraha

How can weightlessness help us feel grounded? How can disorientation help orient us? 

In a circus opera that explores the opposites, experience the power that comes with restraint, the control that blossoms from danger and the clarity that emerges from disorder.

Satyagraha is a one-of-a-kind minimalist opera by renowned composer Philip Glass. In three acts, the performance follows the development of Mohandas Gandhi's philosophy, "Satyagraha" – meaning "insistence on truth". Together with Cirkus Cirkör, the story is retold with stunning sensitivity and inspiring strength. 
The Cirkus Cirkör production of Satyagraha premiered 14th September 2016 at Folkoperan in Stockholm

Galleri

Poetic and physical interpretation of Gandhi's non-violent resistance

Many consider it to be Philip Glass’ most affecting and personal work: a mesmerizing operatic account of Mahatma Gandhi’s experiments with civil disobedience in South Africa, presented as a serene minimalist ritual. In this inspired production, Circus Cirkör—together with Swedish opera company Folkoperan—match one form of sublimity with another, lending its signature acrobatic grace and wit to every undulating musical murmur.

Reviews

Thrilling take on Glass’s celebration of passive resistance will have you spinning cartwhee

Limelight Magazine

Powerful circus woven around Gandhi

SVD

An altogether serious and gorgeous production

DN

Cast and crew

På scen

Satyagraha: an opera in three acts by Philip Glass
Music: Philip Glass
Lyrics: Constance de Jong (adapted from the Bhagavad Gita)
Libretto: Philip Glass and Constance de Jong
©1980 Dunvagen Music Publishers Inc.

Circus artists:
Aino Ihanainen, Alexander Weibel Weibel, Magnus Björu, Sarah Lett/Nathalie Bertholio, Oscar Karlsson.

Opera singers:
Leif Aruhn-Solén, Thomas Volle, Lisa Carlioth, Sibylle Glostedt, Hanna Fritzon, Paulina Pfeiffer, Els Mondelaers, Karolina Blixt, Anton Eriksson, Lars Johansson Brissman, Johan Schinkler, Lars Arvidson

Choir:
Calle Lindén, Carl Walin, Elin Skorup, John Kinell, Margaretha Westerlind, Maria Sanner, Michael Axelsson, Sofia Niklasson

Creative team

Music: Philip Glass
Libretto: Constance De Jong using the Bhagavad Gita
Orchestral arrangements: Anders Högstedt
Director: Tilde Björfors
Scenography and costume: Dan Potra
Video scenography and projections: Per Rydnert and Johannes Ferm Winkler
Knitted scenography: Aino Ihanainen
Lighting design: Patrik Bogårdh
Mask: Therésia Frisk
Dramaturg: Magnus Lindman

Full list of cast and crew